'Beyond the cushion': a study of occupational therapists' perceptions of their role and clinical decisions in pressure care.

PURPOSE: Occupational therapists are frequently involved in pressure care management in rehabilitation and community settings. The purpose of this study was to investigate the perceptions of occupational therapists about their role within pressure care and the influences on clinical decisions in this area.

METHODS

A grounded theory approach was used and semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine occupational therapists who had provided pressure care to clients within the Hunter Region of Australia. Data were analysed using the constant comparative method.

RESULTS

The occupational therapy (OT) role in pressure care is diverse and shaped by contextual factors in the workplace. Informants perceived uncertainty surrounding some aspects of their role in pressure care, and with perceptions of other health professionals about their role. OT clinical decisions in pressure care are influenced by intrinsic and extrinsic factors including OT knowledge and experience, client centred approaches and the availability of resources. Relationships between study themes were summarised in a diagram to articulate the factors contributing to the perceptions of OT's about their role in pressure care.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a need for further investigation into the role and clinical decision making of therapists involved in pressure care. Occupational therapists need to promote their role in pressure care to other health professionals.